Arnold Palmer

Awards: 1960 Hickok Belt for top professional athlete of the year, Sports Illustrated’s Sportman of the Year, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal

Arnold Palmer was born on September 30th, 1929 in Pennsylvania. He is many things to a lot of people. He is a world renowned golfer, a successful businessman, an advertising spokesman, golf course designer and consultant, a husband and a father. His father was the golf professional as well as course superintendent at Latrobe Country Club. During his teenage years, Arnold spent most of his time golfing and working at the club.

Arnold Palmer was awarded a golf scholarship to Wake Forest University during his senior year of high school, but he withdrew from the university after the death of his close friend, Bud Worsham. He enlisted in the Coast Guard where he remained for 3 years. He then returned to Wake Forest upon his discharge, won the U.S. Amateur in the year 1954 and months later he became a pro.

Popularity and Achievements

Arnold Palmer’s reputation grew with the remarkable golf boom in the latter half of the 20th century to heights few people ever expected. In all, the famous golfer won a total of seven major titles. The first of these was the 1958 Masters tournament. In all, he won four Masters, a PGA title and two British Opens between 1958 and 1964. The seven titles came in what golfing world considers the 4 major professional championships. Arnold was named “Athlete of the Decade” in the 1960’s by the national Associated Press poll.

In addition to his major achievements, Arnold Palmer is credited with making the British Open a significant event for American players. In 1960, Palmer was the first American to win the British Open since Ben Hogan in 1953. A Few Americans even made the tour in the interim. He finished his career with a total of 95 wins. Besides being a great golfer, Palmer’s popularity comes from his magnetic personality as well as his humble roots.

Masters Appearance Record

One golf record that may never be broken is Arnold Palmer’s 50 consecutive appearances in the Masters tournament. He played the Master tournament 50 times in total, and from his initial appearance in the year 1955 to his last in 2004, he never missed the Masters. In his career, the name Arnold Palmer appeared many times on top of the leader board after ninety five tournaments.

Still one of the world’s most popular sports figures, Arnold Palmer now focuses his efforts on his golf businesses. He hosts the Arnold Palmer Invitational and owns Latrobe Country Club in Pennsylvania. Many remember Arnold Palmer as a man who helped popularize and commercialize golf. The PGA owes a debt of gratitude to Arnold Palmer, as without him, golf would not be as popular of a sport as it is today.